Brine

Name:
Brine
Detailed information:
Any solution of sodium chloride and water, usually containing other salts also. The most industrially important brines are (1) in subterranean wells as in Michigan; (2) in desert lakes such as the Great Salt Lake, Searles Lake, Salton Sea, and Dead Sea; and (3) in the ocean. These are the sources of many inorganic chemicals such as soda ash, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, bromine, chlorine, borax, etc. Brines are also used for the preservation and pickling of certain vegetables, meat curing, and freezing mixtures. Concentrations range from 3% (ocean) to 20% or more.Large areas of sand and shale containing brines under high pressure exist along the Gulf Coast. These are reported to be an important undeveloped source of natural gas and other hydrocarbons suitable for fuel or petrochemical feedstocks.See Desalination; Demineralization.